How to beat a polygraph test

This article was taken from the April 2011 issue of Wired
magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before
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They may rely on dubious "science", but lie-detector tests are
used to settle relationship disputes and are common in US criminal
cases. So if you're forced to take one, it's worth knowing ways to
sail through. George Maschke, cofounder of antipolygraph.org, explains
how.

You don't need to take the test
"The best course of action is to refuse," says Maschke. "It's
demeaning and you should feel insulted." The law is on your side:
UK courts don't accept evidence gathered by polygraph tests. But
this won't help you if it's an untrusting spouse demanding you take
the test to settle an argument.

Know how the test works
A polygrapher asks three types of questions -- "relevant",
"irrelevant" and "control". He will compare your physiological
reactions, such as heart rate,to each. If you show a stronger
response to relevant questions ("Have you cheated on your wife?")
than controls, he'll infer lying.

Become a control freak
"Understand which are the control questions and you can covertly
augment your physiological reactions," Maschke says. So, look out
for questions everyone would be expected to lie to. "For example,
'If you're an honest person you would never have lied to someone
who's loved you, would you?'"

Create stress with maths
Now you can skew your response for a false reading. "It has to be
something that cannot be detected," says Maschke. "You could
constrict the sphincter, but many operators put sensors on the
seat." So, the best method is to try to solve a maths problem in
your head as quickly as possible in order to create stress.

Look them in the eye
Remember that other cues might be monitored. "Make eye contact,
but don't stare down the operator," says Maschke. Although not all
polygraphers take into account body language -- "Some say you
should only go by the chart and nothing else," he says -- it's
better to be safe than sorry, right?

Forget spy games
Eschew the pulp-novel method of spraying antiperspirant on your
fingers. "The method is not to suppress all sweating, but to sweat
more on control questions," says Maschke. He also advises against
putting drawing pins in your shoe to cause stress, as some
polygraphers have pads to pick up on that.

Edited by Liat Clark

Comments

To the Readers: BEWARE !!!Anything that comes from Mr. George Maschke or antipolygraph.org, must be filtered with the fact that the website is highly suspect as a clandestine sting website (we have proof) that it is sponsored by the US Government. Believe nothing that comes from it. Beating the polygraph is all a matter of knowing that its an interrogation prop and nothing more, and easily beaten with knowing how and why it works.

Lani Giro

Mar 4th 2011

In reply to Lani Giro

Your claim that AntiPolygraph.org is sponsored by the US government is false. But since you claim to have proof, please feel free to post it both here and on the AntiPolygraph.org message board.

George Maschke

Mar 4th 2011

In reply to George Maschke

All in good time Mr. Maschke ! In the words of the late great columnist Jack Anderson, "No story until it has the maximum impact". Do stay tuned !

Lani Giro

Mar 7th 2011

In reply to George Maschke

I leave to readers then to assess what weight to give your anonymous and completely undocumented allegations.

George Maschke

Mar 9th 2011

In reply to George Maschke

In reply to George Maschke. It's true, you can manipulate reactions to control questions, but how you stop the physiological reactions of a guilty person to the relevant questions? Please answer to the readers. Best regards,Sorin

Sorin Savu

May 4th 2011

Mr. MaschkeYou are a quick study. And you are warned.We are AnonymousWe are legion.We do not forgive.We do not forget.Expect us.

Lani Giro

Mar 11th 2011

LOL wtf ? I lie all the time ..

I-Lie

Mar 22nd 2011

In reply to George Maschke. It's true, you can manipulate reactions to control questions, but how you stop the physiological reactions of a guilty person to the relevant questions? Please answer to the readers. Best regards,Sorin